Report: Juventus on standby for wantaway Ronaldo
Juventus is waiting for super-agent Jorge Mendes to provide the final go-ahead before launching a bid for Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Sky Sport Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio.
The 33-year-old reportedly expressed his desire to join the defending Serie A champion, leaving Real Madrid with the final say over his future.
There is a belief Mendes has a gentleman's agreement in place which allows Ronaldo to leave Madrid for €100 million. It's unclear whether club president Florentino Perez will respect the pact or continue to enforce the player's €1-billion release clause.
In the meantime, Di Marzio says Juventus has prepared a four-year contract worth €30 million per season. It's believed Juventus' ownership group has approved the financial package and given general manager Giuseppe Marotta permission to proceed with an offer.
Mendes was ambiguous about his client's plans Thursday, only letting on that Ronaldo would walk away from Los Blancos on good terms following nine years of success.
"If he leaves, it will be a new challenge for him," Mendes told Portuguese outlet Record, per ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan. "Should Cristiano Ronaldo leave Real Madrid, he will be eternally grateful to the club, to the president, to the entire front office, the medical team and all the staff, without exception, as well as all the fans all around the world."
Ronaldo's contract with Madrid expires in 2021.